About

David Schaefer

David has over 30 years of experience in biotechnology and healthcare, spanning diagnostics, medical devices, and therapies in infectious diseases, cardiology, immunology, and more. He has held leadership roles at Abbott Laboratories, Murex, and Ocean Optics, alongside start-up ventures like Nexan and Syntro. David has driven corporate investments, private equity transactions, and the growth of disruptive healthcare technologies. He has also consulted with Booz Allen & Hamilton and sponsored groundbreaking clinical studies in HIV resistance, sleep medicine, heart failure, and neuromuscular disorders. David holds a BS in Chemical Engineering and Biotech from Johns Hopkins University and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.

Dr. Scott Rowlinson

Dr. Scott Rowlinson is a seasoned biotech executive with over 25 years of experience in biologics drug discovery and clinical development, specializing in rare diseases and oncology. He began his career at Eli Lilly, leading antibody target discovery and advancing therapies in immuno-oncology and kidney disease. As a key executive at Aeglea Biotherapeutics, he helped guide the company from inception in 2013 through its 2016 IPO, progressing multiple molecules into clinical trials, with one approved by the EMA and under FDA review. Most recently, as Chief Scientific Officer at Beyond Cancer, he led the development of an innovative gas delivery therapeutic. Dr. Rowlinson excels in pipeline strategy, regulatory submissions, and aligning scientific innovation with business goals. His Six Sigma Black Belt training and leadership skills drive operational efficiency and high-performing teams.

Jason Wiggins

Jason is a seasoned research and program leader with over 20 years of experience advancing therapeutics from discovery through preclinical and clinical development. A certified PMP, he has expertise in oncology, rare diseases, immunology, and infectious diseases, contributing to multiple successful IND submissions, including a first-in-class miRNA therapeutic and an enzyme replacement therapy. His career spans leadership roles at Molecular Templates, Aeglea BioTherapeutics, Mirna Therapeutics, and the NIH/NIAID. Skilled in cross-functional collaboration, Jason drives innovative drug development programs to key milestones with strategic, results-focused execution.

Brian Tosh

Brian is a seasoned marketing and business development professional with over 15 years of experience in healthcare revenue and biotech industries. He holds a B.A. in Mass Communications & Journalism with a Public Relations focus from Kansas State University. Brian has spearheaded comprehensive marketing initiatives, managed public relations efforts, and crafted brand strategies. His expertise in driving impactful marketing campaigns and building strategic relationships with pharmaceutical collaborators has been instrumental in advancing Phoreus’ mission over the past seven years. A results-driven leader, Brian consistently aligns innovative marketing strategies with business growth objectives.

Dr. Walid Maaty, PhD

Walid holds a BS in botany from Cairo University, an MS in microbial molecular biology from Mansoura University, and a PhD in molecular biology from the University of Wyoming. He has worked at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Montana State University’s Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry facility, and the University of Kansas, specializing in mass spectrometry applications. Before joining Phoreus, Walid gained experience at Quest Diagnostics, Merck Animal Health (Vaccines), and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. He brings expertise in vaccine development, mass spectrometry, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and cell biology to the Phoreus team, enhancing its research and development capabilities.

Bill Ashley

Bill Ashley has dedicated his career to Allied National, a third-party insurance administrator specializing in employee benefits, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success. His early years were spent developing computer systems

and establishing the information systems department, laying the foundation for Allied’s technological capabilities. In 1992, he assumed the role of CEO upon his parents’ retirement, overseeing all aspects of the business, including accounting, compliance, operations, and legal matters. Over the past decade, he focused on product development and cultivating relationships with insurance carriers, becoming a recognized expert in Allied’s niche markets and speaking at industry forums.

In 2020, Allied National was acquired by a subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. Bill transitioned from CEO in January 2023, mentoring his successor while continuing to support the company through knowledge transfer and special projects. Now a part-time employee, he is preparing for retirement in late 2025.

Dr. Scott Nagely, MD

Dr. Scott Nagely is a highly experienced emergency medicine physician based in Vail, Colorado, affiliated with several hospitals in the region. With over 20 years of medical practice, he brings expertise in emergency medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. Dr. Nagely earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed his emergency medicine residency at Northwestern in Chicago. His training also includes internships in internal medicine and pediatrics, and he holds board certification in emergency medicine. Adding to his impressive credentials, Dr. Nagely serves as a team physician for the US Olympic Ski and Snowboard Team, combining his medical expertise with support for elite athletes.

Dr. Raj Pannu, PhD

Raj is the Founder and CEO of Emergence Creative and former Director of Global Health at McCann Health. A behavior change expert, he has advised governments, NGOs, and corporations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, and Coca-Cola on global health and sustainability initiatives. He served on the UN Essential Medicines Working Group and spoke at Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Northwestern. Raj holds an MS in Immunology and a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Alberta. His groundbreaking research on poxvirus entry, published in Science, earned him a 1999 award for AIDS research. Based in New York City, Raj specializes in applying private-sector strategies to public health challenges.

Dr. Doug Shane, DVM

Douglas Shane, Ph.D., D.V.M., is a Kansas Senator representing District 37 and an educator dedicated to advancing animal health through academia and industry collaboration. At the Olathe campus, he teaches graduate-level courses in animal health degree and certificate programs while designing specialized curricula to support Greater Kansas City’s expanding animal health sector.

With a strong background in data analytics and clinical development, Doug previously served as a research scientist at Elanco Animal Health, where he led farm animal therapeutics, digital technology, and precision livestock programs. In this role, he managed clinical trials, collaborated with research organizations, and oversaw budgets and project execution. Prior to that, as a project architect at Elanco, he directed initiatives in diagnostics, smart farming, novel delivery systems, and digital innovations for both farm and companion animals. His career also includes experience at Bayer U.S.

Matthew Tomich

Matt Tomich is President of Energy Vision, a nonprofit focused on advancing renewable natural gas (RNG) in North America. With a decade of experience, he specializes in researching alternative fuels, particularly RNG produced from organic waste for heat, power, and vehicle fuel. His work spans technology, economics, and policy, with a focus on RNG initiatives in dairy, landfill gas, wastewater treatment, and heavy-duty transportation sectors. Matt’s expertise includes outreach and analysis to drive sustainable energy solutions across the U.S. and Canada.

Steve Schram

Steve is a seasoned CEO with 40 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biologics industry. He served as CEO of AgriLabs, where he led acquisitions, co-founded VaxLiant, and secured licensing deals for domestic and international product launches. Under his leadership, AgriLabs developed patented adjuvant technology for DNA vaccines and achieved a successful exit with its sale to Huvepharma in 2017. Earlier, Steve was VP of Sales and Marketing for Norbrook Americas and held various roles at Syntex Animal Health. Skilled in go-to-market strategies, business development, and R&D investments, he has a proven track record in driving growth and innovation in veterinary pharmaceuticals and biologics for the North American market.

Dr. Scott Nagely, MD

Dr. Scott Nagely is a highly experienced emergency medicine physician based in Vail, Colorado, affiliated with several hospitals in the region. With over 20 years of medical practice, he brings expertise in emergency medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. Dr. Nagely earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed his emergency medicine residency at Northwestern in Chicago. His training also includes internships in internal medicine and pediatrics, and he holds board certification in emergency medicine. Adding to his impressive credentials, Dr. Nagely serves as a team physician for the US Olympic Ski and Snowboard Team, combining his medical expertise with support for elite athletes.

Dr. Nathan Singh, MD, MS

Dr. Nathan Singh is an Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Oncology, at Washington University School of Medicine. Nathan grew up in Pittsburgh and went to Haverford College near Philadelphia. After college, Nathan started his life-long journey in cellular therapy as a tech in Carl June’s lab, and then stayed at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine for medical school, residency, fellowship in hematology/oncology, and a post-doc in the June Lab.

Dr. Raj Pannu, PhD

Raj is the Founder and CEO of Emergence Creative and former Director of Global Health at McCann Health. A behavior change expert, he has advised governments, NGOs, and corporations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, and Coca-Cola on global health and sustainability initiatives. He served on the UN Essential Medicines Working Group and spoke at Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Northwestern. Raj holds an MS in Immunology and a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Alberta. His groundbreaking research on poxvirus entry, published in Science, earned him a 1999 award for AIDS research. Based in New York City, Raj specializes in applying private-sector strategies to public health challenges.

Dr. John Tomich, PhD

Dr. John Tomich is a professor emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics and the former Director of the Biotechnology/Proteomics Core Facility at Kansas State University. The Tomich laboratory designed and characterized synthetic peptides for potential uses as drugs or renewable biomaterials. Dr. Tomich holds the patent for Branched Amphipathic Oligo-Peptides that Self-Assemble into Vesicles.